Bill-file



(No Model.)

T. B. & 0. D. SMITH.

BILL FILE.

No. 440,904. Patented Nov. 18, 1890.

. UNITED STATES PATENT OFF-ICE;

THOMAS B. SHITH AND CHARLES D. SMITH, OF BRIDGEPORT, OHIO.

BILL-FILE.

SPECIFICATION formingpart of Letters Patent No. 440,904, dated November 18, 1890.

Application filed March 22, 1890. Serial No. 344,863. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, THOMAS B. SMITH and CHARLES D. SMITH, citizens of the United States, residing at Bridgeport, in the county of Belmont and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Bill- Files; and we do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the figures of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

This invention relates to an improvement in files for the preservation of bills, letters, and other documents which it is desired to preserve.

The object of the invention is to produce a file of such construction that the documents placed thereon may be readily examined withoutthe necessity of removing them, and at the same time admit of theirbeing readily removed should it be desired.

A further object of the invention is to produce a file which shall be exceedingly simple of construction, efficient and durable in use, and comparativelyinexpensive of production.

\Vith these objects in view the invention consists, broadly, of a file adapted to receive the papers to be filed away and the clamping device adapted to engage the file and lock the said papers in place.

The invention further consist-s in the various novel details of construction of a letterfile, as will be hereinafter fully described inv the specification, illustrated in the drawings, and more particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, forming part of this specification, in which like numerals of reference indicate corresponding parts, we have illustrated one form of device embodying the essential features of our invention, although the same may be carried into eifect in other ways without in the least departingfrom the spirit thereof, and in these drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of the file proper, the looking or clamping device being removed. Fig. 2 is a similar view of the locking mechanism. Fig. 8 is a perspective View showing the device intact and ready for use. Fig. at is a top plan view of the plate adapted to fit over the file and exert a pressure thereon. Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the clamping or locking device. 6 is a perspective View of a file, which may be employed in place of that shown in Fig. 1; and Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a file, showing the file-points constructed up out of the metal forming the back of the file.

Referring to the drawings, 1 designates a plate, which may be constructed of any suitable material, but preferably, in this instance, of metal, to which is secured in any suitable manner, or by solderingor riveting, two or more metal points 2, the outer surfaces of which are serrated or threaded, for a purpose that will be described farther on. The plate 1 carries an eyelet 3, by which the device can be hung against the wall or in any other place where ready access may be had to it. Upon the filing-points fits a plate 4, the edges of which are turned over to form recesses 5, in

which fits and slides a plate 6, having keyhole slots 7, also adapted to fitover the filingpoints. As will be observed, these slots are somewhat apexiform in shape, gradually narrowing toward the end opposite that which the filing enters. The object of this construction is to form a wedge-like opening, the sides of which engage with the filing-points when the device is in use.

The manner of using the form of file which is described is as follows: The papers are placed upon the filing-points in the usual manner, and the plate a, carrying the sliding clamp 6, is placed over the points and the said clamp forced to one side, when the inclined edges of the opening 7 would engage with the filing-points, and thus hold the plate 4 securely in place. Should it be desired to remove any of the papers, it is only necessaryto press the button or projection 8 on the clamp to one side, when the enlarged part of the openings 7 will be brought in line with the filing-points and the plate may be readily IOC ner of providing the filing-points. In this case the points 11 are struck up from the metal forming the back of the file. This latter construction will be found to possess advantages in the point of cheapness.

From the foregoing description the operation and construction of our improved file will be readily understood. It will be seen that although it is of the simplest construction it will be found of highest efficiency and durability in use, and may be manufactured and put upon the market at a cost sufficiently low to place it within the means of every one.

We would have it distinctly understood that We do not limit ourselves to the exact construction shown herein, but may vary Widely therefrom in carrying our invention into eifect.

Having thus'fully described our invention,

plate and having wedge-shaped openings adapted to engage the filing-points.

. In testimony whereof We affix our signatures in presence of two witnesses.

THOMAS B. SMITH. CHAS. D. SMITH. Witnesses:

O. W. HOWELL, R. T. HOWELL. 

